To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, a proposal has been made for a new $1 coin featuring former President Donald Trump—but Democrats are working to stop it.

July 4, 2026 marks 250 years since the United States declared independence, and major national celebrations are planned. As part of the commemoration, the U.S. Treasury revealed plans last year for a special coin honoring Trump.

The original concept showed Trump’s profile on one side, while the reverse sparked controversy: it depicted him raising his fist in front of an American flag, alongside the words “Fight, Fight, Fight.” The image referenced a widely circulated photo from a July 2024 campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an assassination attempt.

Following public reaction, the Treasury abandoned that design and submitted three new versions to the Commission of Fine Arts.

The revised designs present more traditional imagery, featuring close-up portraits of Trump with the phrases “In God We Trust” and “Liberty,” while the reverse side displays variations of the bald eagle. The coin also highlights the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.

Since the proposal emerged, Democratic lawmakers have pushed back. Senators Jeff Merkley and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced legislation to block the coin, arguing it misuses public funds and breaks with American tradition.

Merkley criticized the proposal as self-glorifying, while Cortez Masto emphasized that the U.S. has never placed living presidents on its currency, calling the practice incompatible with democratic values.

The final decision on whether the coin will be minted rests with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.